Northwestern trustees approve 2009-10 budget

Northwestern College’s 2009–10 budget will feature a nearly two percent reduction in tuition, room and board for incoming students. The budget was approved by Northwestern’s Board of Trustees at its spring meeting, April 20–21.

“The kind of education we offer—integrating faith, learning and living—is truly distinctive,” says President Greg Christy, “and our desire is that more students can have the opportunity to experience it. By lowering the cost for new students, we are communicating that we want to keep a Northwestern education as affordable as possible because we believe the value students receive is well worth it.”  

In addition to plenary and committee sessions covering new international and collaborative initiatives under consideration, the board meeting included a poster session highlighting research done by faculty and students, chapel, lunch with students, and a Monday evening event honoring retiring Vice President for Advancement John Greller.

“There is a great spirit among our trustees; they feel very good about the direction of the college,” says Christy. “They are highly committed to Northwestern’s mission, and they expressed a great appreciation for how our faculty and staff have worked so hard together during this time of economic uncertainty and tight budgets.”

The board recognized the service of four retiring members: Dr. Beverly De Vries of Edmond, Okla.; Deb Locker of Orange City; the Rev. Tony Vis of Urbandale, Iowa; and the Rev. Roger Voskuil of Sioux Center. Locker and Voskuil each completed 10 years of service. De Vries and Vis completed eight years.

Five new trustees were appointed: Anita Bomgaars and Marty Guthmiller of Orange City; Dr. Bryan Den Hartog of Rapid City, S.D.; Merlyn De Vries of Edmond, Okla.; and Lori Scott of Omaha.